Merlin arrives in the magical Maine town to finish off Snow's treatment. Regina gets her second scan and Merlin discovers something from the first DNA results. Emma finds her mother's moving in and convalescence a trial. And Belle finally comes to the end of their long sailing trip to Cuba.

Storybrooke Hospital

"Hello, my love," Merlin kissed his daughter's cheek. "I assumed you'd have already been here this morning? Been having fun, back in the magical world?"

"Hi dad," Annabelle pecked his cheek in kind. "I have been, but I wasn't expecting you for a couple of days yet? You should've texted me to let me know you were coming early? Is there a problem?"

"No, but my plans changed. I just thought you said you wanted to help me with Snow White's skin healing spells this morning?"

"I did - do! But...to be honest, I had an interesting night in Robin Hood's pub in the forest? I met a bunch of people from your old Camelot days, including a few of your old mates, and had a little bit too much to drink? I'm a bit of a lightweight so I planned to take the day off. Had I known you were coming earlier, I'd have-"

"It's no problem, my love. Who'd you meet?"

"Well, apart from the famous former outlaw himself, I got talking to Peter Kay, Clive and Hank Morgan? And Prince Charming, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and…even a half-sister I never knew I had till you told me?"

"Ah good, so Lili's back?" He smiled, resting a hand on her arm. "So you finally met her then? Her mother will be pleased she's back. How did you get along?"

"Pretty good, though she did get in quite late, so she was kinda tired. But we had a decent chat first thing this morning, as she's staying the same place I stayed last night. She seems really nice. Hard to believe she's part-dragon? Did you tell mum about her?"

"Of course! The very day I found out from Maleficent that she's mine. Your mum's fine about it. Actually, she said she'd like to meet her sometime soon? she'd also like to meet her mother, if it's possible."

"Really? Isn't she just a little bit concerned about another kid you had with an old flame, pun intended, before you met her?"

"Over a thousand years before! And no, being a dragon, albeit one capable of human form, Mal's hardly looking for anything from me, or anyone else for that matter. Dragon's don't pair-bond for life like we do, and they tend to raise their young separately. Though unfortunately for her, she was 'technically' killed well before she released Lily's egg? Being an immortal, her death wasn't permanent, and she was resurrected after more than a thousand years had passed. She gave birth shortly after that."

"Blimey! Well anyway, she seems nice enough. Hard to believe she's my half-sister by a dragon?"

"It's a long story, but I do hope you get on with her? Lilith's had a very troubled past, what with one thing and another, though I'll leave her to tell you about it in her own good time. What that girl needs for the rest of her life is some love and attention, according to her mother."

"Well, she's already getting it, from what I saw?" At that her father's brow arched, wanting more. "She seems very close to Dorothy Sage. They travelled back to New York together to clear her apartment, and they seem inseparable."

"Really? So where are you staying? I rather thought you might've stayed at Granny's, or the convent? Reul was expecting you."

"No, I stayed at David Nolan's farm." As she said it, she realised she might've said too much. Her father was arguably the most powerful wizard who ever lived. He was immortal, and was able to consult with Zeus himself. Despite that, he wasn't an overprotective or possessive father. But she was still, to him, his little girl? Like her sisters, she was an adult, independent woman who made her own life choices as to what to do and who she spent her time with. But this was her dad? "I, er, once I realised Lily was staying there, with Dorothy, I wanted to spend more time talking to her, getting to know her, you know?"

"I'm sure. Well perhaps we should have some time together, the three of us, while I'm here? Maybe invite Maleficent to come join us? There's a lot I still need to tell you."

"Sure, sounds good. So anyway, have you seen Snow White since you got here?"

"Seen her, treated her, and her doctor discharged her! Her daughter came and collected her an hour ago."

"She's already been discharged?"

"She was more than desperate to leave, after a month lying in hospital beds, so it's understandable. I promised to call in on her at Emma, her daughter's house, where she'll be convalescing."

St. Augustine, Florida

Belle had loved the last two days they'd spent in the coastal city on the Floridean northeast coast. Known for its Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful sandy beaches and historic sites, all four of them were reluctant to leave. But as they were slipping behind on their schedule, they knew they had no choice if they were to have any real time together in Havana, and to explore Cuba properly, before Belle had to get a flight back to Portland in time for Gideon.

And now, as the four of them sat around the hotel veranda sipping cocktails, the talk was of their agenda. Jerard having laid out a nautical chart in front of them.

"I estimate we're about thirty hours fair sailing to a suitable port just outside Miami, and roughly the same from Miami to Havana. Sixty sailing hours from here, given good weather. So, we can look to five long days with short stops, or break it up in Miami for a couple and call it seven to eight easier ones?" Jerard rechecked his calculations with a chart compass.

"So basically, get two full days in Cuba, or four to five we spend more days at sea?" Belle double-checked her texts from Gideon as he showed them the route.

"Again, it all depends on the weather, ma Belle."

"Well according to Gideon, they fly back to New York next Thursday. That's eight days away, so I'd rather we get the journey out of the way sooner and have more time in Cuba. Although, if you prefer, you three could always leave me in Miami, and I'll leave fly back from there? If it'd give you more time?"

"It's really no problem for us either way, Belle." Olivia rested a hand on the former librarian's knee, giving her a warm smile. "Personally, I'd love for you to spend as much time with us as you can, and I'm kinda used to spending longer days out at sea. But your son comes first, so you decide? All I know is I'm going to really miss you." She looked across the table to her boyfriend and their other recent lover; both were nodding. "Same goes for you, Ruby? After the last three weeks, it just won't be the same without you both. No offence Jer, my love."

"None taken, ma petite, I feel just the same. It'll be much quieter without you."

Ruby saw the look in his eyes, resting a hand on his own knee, giving it a squeeze as she pecked his cheek. "Hey, don't go getting all sad? We'll find a way to see you again. Maybe once she gets Giddy back, and our lives on track, we can come see you, wherever you wind up?"

Belle noticing him exchanging an odd look with Olivia, as though wanting to say more, but stopping himself, his chestnut-haired girlfriend jumping in, instead.

"Yeah, about that? Jerard and I have been talking. We've been travelling around nearly three years now. And we're thinking about...kinda, settling down somewhere to try to make a business out of the Ghislaine? Day trips, tourist cruises, that sort of thing?"

"Oh," said Belle. "That's a bit of a surprise? I thought you still wanted to travel the world? So where are you thinking? Down here? Key West looks good, or anywhere like that. Maybe the Caribbean?"

"No, it's a hell of a long way back to France if we stayed down this far, and he want to go back sometimes to see his family. We're thinking somewhere further north.? Like somewhere maybe Boston or Rhode Island way? We haven't decided yet.'

~oOo~

A few hours later, as the afternoon sun started to fade, Ruby and Belle took the opportunity for some last-minute shopping, as they had a very early start the following morning. Jerard and Olivia stayed behind in their suite, both now sitting on the balcony overlooking the beach.

"You okay?" She handed him one of the mojitos she'd just mixed. "You seem a bit glum? Penny for your thoughts?"

"I'm fine, mon amour. It's nothing."

"C'mon, you can do better than that?" She sat down beside him, both facing the ocean. "We tell each other everything, don't we?"

"I guess. I'm just a little sad. Things are starting to change, as they should from time to time."

"Judging by your face earlier, I'm guessing you don't want to stop travelling and have any sort of base? You've always had more wanderlust in you, even more than me. Is that it?"

"Maybe. Partly." He stayed staring out to sea as he sipped his drink. "Maybe it's just that I'm getting older, and there's part of me doesn't want to change. Maybe I'm afraid of settling down."

"Hey! I've never heard you admit to the 'O' word before? You know you'll always be able to travel? It's not as though you can't afford it! So, where's this really coming from? Come on, out with it?"

"It's also the thought of losing something very precious to me?"

"Losing? Losing what?"

"Losing you."

"Heck, Jer, where's all this coming from?" She set her drink down and gripped his hand. "You're not losing me - we're together! Two of a kind! In a strange sort of way, you made me what I am today? You made me more confident, freer. You helped bring me out of that shitty relationship and opened up my eyes to the real world and what I could have? You've never asked anything of me, and always left me to follow my dreams, but you're basically my boyfriend, lover, and best friend all wrapped up in one? You know everything there is to know about me. You're basically my soulmate! I'd be lost without you!"

"I feel much the same way about you, ma cherie. But having been together so long, I do still see a change in you recently? I see that you want…more." He noticed the look of surprise on her face, wanting him to explain. "Something a little more…permanent? Something that maybe Lady Belle can provide?"

"Belle? But I-"

"There's no need to explain yourself. I can see the look in your eyes whenever she talks to you. When she wakes up in the morning and comes up on deck? When she smiles at you. You look…what's the word I've heard you use? Smitten? It's a look I've never seen on you before, and it's clear you've developed strong feelings for her. There's no need to deny it, my love, I think she's rather wonderful too. You've always been free to follow your own heart as you think fit. Even if it ultimately takes you away from me."

Hearing him say it like that, blew her away! Jerard had never lied to, or mislead her. They'd shared everything, including lovers, both male and female, as they passed through their lives. She also knew that what he'd said was basically true. She had herself become aware of her growing feelings for the former librarian. So was he now jealous? She wasn't quite sure how to answer or challenge him. So, she kept quiet as he carried on.

"I'm guessing she's one of the reasons you suggested setting up the business in the northeast? To be nearer to Belle?" Again, no answer. "Livvy, I have no issue with that whatsoever, but perhaps you should start by talking to her about your true feelings? At least see if they're reciprocated? I'd hate to see you getting hurt, my love."

Storybrooke Maternity Clinic – Five days later

"And there's our little fella! Or lassie! Do you want to know the sex yet?"

Regina watched wide-eyed as the image of their baby now appeared on the monitor, much clearer and more detailed than last time. Robin stood beside her, holding her hand as Doctor Anabelle Sage froze the screen, taking some measurements.

"If Regina wants to know, I'll step outside for a moment while you tell her?" Robin kissed her brow. "Personally, unless there's an issue, I'd prefer to have the surprise later?"

"No, I feel the same way as you. So, no thank you Doctor."

"Fine, then I'll just say 'he' or 'him' for the moment? There's no issue as far as I can see, Robin. Your baby looks pretty healthy to me and judging by the measurements, I'd say you're about 12 weeks gone, Regina? SO he's about the size of a large plum. All's looking good in there. So, how many pictures would you like me to print out?"

"Three please."

"Coming right up," then she spotted something on her tablet. "I see there's an update note on here, asking us to take another blood sample from you before you leave, Mrs. Locksley?"

"Another one? Why?"

"It doesn't say, though reading through the notes, it says the request came from Professor Sage?"

"Your father? Merlin did my last scan in New York, and I gave blood and urine samples then. Anything you're not telling me?"

"Not as far as I can see, though things can change as the pregnancy progresses. I can give you his number, and you can call direct to put your mind at ease, if you like?"

"No, I have it already and it's fine. You best do it now."

"Better safe than sorry, Gina? I trust Merlin to do what's in our interests." Robin lightly squeezed her hand, before turning to the medic and smiling. "So, Annabelle, did you finally get to spend some time with your new sister? Well…your half-sister? I gather you're still staying on Robin's farm?"

"Yes, we've even had a couple of nights out together. In fact, we also had dinner the other night with my dad and Lily's mother. And we're all planning on going back to New York in a couple of weeks' time, to meet up with some of my siblings and my mom, who's coming over."

"Mal's going to New York?" Regina sounded incredulous. "Can she do that? Cross the town line?"

"Well, she did a few weeks ago, apparently." She handed over the print outs. "Here you go. It looks like you've got one very healthy baby in there, all good to go in for six months' time. Now, any final questions before I get a nurse in to do the blood sample?"

Swan House

Snow had moved into Emma's straight from the hospital, less than a week ago. And the change in Emma and Killian's lives was immediate. Whereas the Saviour and her former pirate had secretly dreaded the likely difficulties to come from looking after a convalescing mother while working on their marriage; instead, it'd come from an endless stream of visitors and well-wishers, who constantly paraded through the front door. Some, like the dwarves, school governors and councillors, only wanted to offer their heartfelt apologies for having misjudged her, now knowing about Ingrid's potion and its affects. Most wished her a speedy recovery and hoped to see her back among them in time. Others just wanted to have a good old chinwag, with one of the town's most notorious gossips.

And Emma, sympathetic to begin with, couldn't help feeling as though their home had been taken over; invaded, as her mother appeared to be almost holding court over the numerous visitors most hours of the day. As a result, Killian found all manner of excuses to spend the last few days working late, or on the Jolly Roger. And it irritated her. She wanted her home back, and her husband with her of an evening, but knew it'd seem churlish if she said anything. But Snow seemed to be a lot better than expected, so clearly the transplants, combined with Merlin's magic, had been successful.

It was just after six on Friday evening, that Emma had shown Snow's latest visitors, Reul Ghorm and Silvermist, out the front door after they'd spent the last hour talking to her mother. She went back in to find her sitting in the living room, without papers and print outs spread on the sofa.

"So, you've definitely given up trying to reconcile with dad, then?"

Snow looked up at her. "Emma…" she sighed, her shoulders slumping. She'd had similar conversations with her several times on the same topic since she'd left the hospital. "We've already been through this. As I said-"

"Don't get me wrong?" Emma cut her off. "I get it; you said he'd never fully forgive you. That he's over you? But as I told you before, I disagree! He just needs time. But it sounds to me like you're not even going to try? I also heard what you told Blue about living in Portland."

"You were eavesdropping?"

"It's hard not to! This is my house!" She picked up one of the print outs, from a Real Estate company, showing a large pale blue property for sale, like the others. "So, you're definitely planning on moving to Portland? The same place Ruby's going? Quite a coincidence, don't you think? And if you want to get another place of your own, why not somewhere a lot nearer? Henry's already managing most of Gold's estate. I'm sure he could find something here?"

She could see the disapproval in her daughter's face but chose to ignore it. "Portland's near enough for me to travel up here regularly. Besides, nobody knows me there. It'll a fresh start."

"Ruby knows you!" She reemphasised. "Sounds like you're more over dad, than you're making out."

"It's not like that, Emma! If you must know, Ruby and I are planning on running a business together! A small hotel, or a diner, not too far from the coast. As it's in a tourist spot, with real tourists and none of the hidden magical town nonsense, there's a good chance we could make some proper money for a change?"

"Running a business with your former girlfriend? And living together presumably? As I said before, you're more over my dad, than-"

"He's already got someone!" Snow suddenly fired back, in an angry tone that was almost…accusing?

"What makes you think that? I'm pretty sure Dorothy was just a rebound thing, after they both got dumped? And the same could be said for Lily? I don't think it was anything serious. In fact, I heard that Lily and Dorothy have been away and were-"

"Not them! Anna Sage! Merlin's daughter."

"Merlin's- the doctor who treated you in New York? The one who brought you back here in that ambulance?" Her mother nodded.

"She's been living with him on the farm, ever since she got here! She was due to stay at the convent with Blue and the fairies, but she moved in with him instead! And they've also been seen out together at Robin's pub several evenings this week."

"Where are you hearing all this stuff?" But she stopped herself, knowing her mother had a lot of contacts and friends throughout Storybrooke, most of whom had been traipsing through her own front door after she got here. She'd presumably also been tipped off by local gossip.

"Emma, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It's because I love your father as much as I do, that I want him to be happy, even if he can't be happy with me! I'm not that surprised. After all, Merlin's daughter's an incredibly beautiful woman, she smart, and young. And he's still a very handsome, wonderful man, and even if things didn't work out with her, there's always been plenty of women around here who'd be interested in him. I'm not stupid Emma, despite what Regina says, and I can see it with my own eyes. Well, he's free and single now, so all I can do is hope for is that he winds up with someone he deserves. Someone who hasn't lied about her past."

"So, there's nothing I can do to persuade you to stay and at least try and work it out? Can't you just…look, I'm sure Neal would be happier if you were closer? Not an hour's drive away?"

"Portland isn't too far. Plus, I don't intend on disrupting your brother's education. I've done enough damage recently, so he'll be better off living here with his father and the rest of the family. We'll make it work."

"I still can't believe this is happening? All because of one lousy potion?"

"I wish that's all it was Emma, but I misled your father from the outset, and that's not something he finds easy to forgive."

Mifflin Street – The following afternoon

"That's quite the tan you've got there, young man? I hope you've been using sunscreen?"

Regina hugged him on the doorstep, delighted to see her son safely back home. He'd been away almost three weeks, and had just breezed in, having driven from JFK that very morning.

"Yeah, It was getting seriously hot, particularly on the Nile, so I kept lathering it on like I was a turkey ready for the oven! But dad kinda kept nagging me to put even more on?"

It was odd hearing Henry refer to the man who'd been dead for over a decade, now supposedly alive again, returned at the hand of Zeus? But at least he seemed happy.

"Quite right too! All the reports say that skin cancer's a bigger risk than ever these days." She stepped back, taking a proper look at him as he was almost a foot taller than her these days. Although he'd only been away a few weeks, he seemed somehow…different? The shorter haircut, and beardless face, together with, as far as she could tell, an entirely new outfit she hadn't seen on him before, seemed to make him look a little older? More mature? "Have you spoken to your other mother yet, to let her know you're back?"

"Yeah, I phoned her from the car an hour ago. I'll pop over there after I've had a shower and clean up?" He stepped back to take a closer look at her, seeing her current state. Her tummy seemed a little more rounded. But her cheeks were a little rosier and she seemed to have a glow about her. "You're looking pretty good too there, mum? What are you now, three months gone? Yet you're barely showing."

"That's kind of you to say my prince, but I'm showing all right! And for the first time I'm actually starting to feel pregnant. But, so far, so good."

"That's great. So, what am I going to get? a little brother, or a little sister?"

"We told the clinic we didn't want to know the sex till it's born."

"Fair enough. Oh, before I forget, dad told me that when he gets up here next week, he's hoping to see you on your own? Apparently, he's got a few things he wants to tell you in private? Messages from people who knew you?"

Her mind went back to last week's call, when Emma's returned former lover told her that her own first love, Daniel, had supposedly been in touch with him. As had her own father, and others.

"He's coming next week? But I thought-"

"Grandpa Gold's coming back too, a week earlier than planned, so he can go look at a couple of houses they've shortlisted in Boston before starting his new job. Dad's going to leave him and come up here with Gideon for a few days, to help me sort and clear out the shop and house. And Belle might be joining him."

"Does Emma know all this?" She recalled her best friend's stunned face on the web call when she first saw him grinning back at her. Like it was perfectly normal to see your dead ex-lover?

"I'll tell her when I get over there. I don't think he's planning on seeing her but…well, we'll see? So, are ready for the next Court hearing?" He looked at the ornate tattoo on her left wrist, as she self-consciously rubbed it. "They reckon it should just be a procedure before they acquit you. So, now that Robin and Killian have both agreed, once the judge does too I'll be able to take those off of you once and for all. I'm guessing you've really missed not having your magic to hand?"

"It's been six weeks now, and yes I did at first. But now, I think I've got used to it."

"Really? Well that's a surprise? Not being able to control everything, and everyone at will, with just a flick of your fingers? Having to do things the hard way, like the rest of us 'mere mortals'?"

Control everyone? She remembered Granny's last week, when the impudent dwarf implied they might not be safe once the cuffs were removed. She had to assure him, but couldn't be truly certain they would be?

"Yes, well, it's certainly been…educational. So, what are you going to be doing tonight after you've seen your mother?"

"I was hoping I could take the two of you out for dinner tonight? Maybe just the three of us? I wanted to catch up on everything that's been going on. It's kinda important."

The Convent

"Merlin?" He looked up from the papers at the sound of her voice. "You seem troubled?"

Since arriving in the magical town, Merlin had been staying with Reul Ghorm and the fairies at the little convent. He already knew her from the distant past and regarded her as a trusted old friend.

"Hello Reul," he looked back down at the reports. "Not troubled exactly. Just concerned."

"About the blood tests on Regina's baby? The DNA and paternity tests?"

Anyone else would have wondered how the hell a fairy knew anything about DNA and genetic testing. But Merlin knew full well that fairies usually maintained a good working knowledge of the world they lived in. They had to, as they tended to regenerate multiple times over the centuries. In fact, though overlooked due to their cautious, shy, retiring natures, he's realised early on in his long life that most were far more intelligent than humans. And they could always be relied on to keep a secret.

"Yes. As you know, I had some blood tests carried out in New York three weeks ago. And more a few days ago. There's something very…unusual."

"About the baby? It's not Robin Locksley's?"

"Oh it's Robin's all right! But based on what Regina had already done to her body in her past, she should never have been able to carry any child within her for long, let alone bring it to term."

"But she has, so far?"

"So it seems. And as far as I can tell, the embryo's dug in well, and growing nicely. There's no reason as far as I can tell at this stage, for her not to go on to have a successful birth. "

"So, what's the problem?"

"Something's prevented that fertilised egg being automatically ejected from the womb within the first week. If I can understand how, it could help save many unfortunate miscarriages in the future. And I think it has something to do with the unusual DNA we found in her blood."

"But surely a baby's DNA is just a combination of the parents'? What's unusual about it?"

"There's a third lot of DNA in there! It was reconfirmed after the second tests."

"A third – how's that even possible?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out! I've seen it happen before, relatively recently, in the labs. Scientists have used all manner of new techniques to prevent children being born with devastating mitochondrial diseases." He noticed Blue's confused expression. "They can be fatal. In layman's terms, you replace any unhealthy mitochondria in a mother's egg with healthy mitochondria from a second, donor egg. It can be done before, or after, being fertilised."

"So, the baby would effectively have three biological parents, not two?"

"Yes and no, but the percentage of DNA from the donor would be tiny. Though healthy children have been born this way for the last five years, with no sign of the disease, so it's been successful. Science has made astonishing leaps."

"So, you're suggesting this baby somehow has 'three-parent DNA'? Without any lab involved?"

"It appears to be the case. I asked our lab to separate Regina's blood DNA from that of the foetus in the latest test. And the results that've just come back are…unprecedented? Comparing it to first, Regina's blood has changed. Like it's somehow…adapted itself to the toxic environment?"

"Okay, now you're confusing me."

"Sorry. As I said, I'm still trying to get answers. But it would appear this 'third DNA' is having a direct and positive effect on Regina's body in some way, and not just the baby's? It may even be reducing the level of the relevant toxins in her body, and becoming almost a part of Regina's own blood group."

"So if it didn't happen in a laboratory, where could this 'miraculous' new DNA have come from? Or from who? More importantly, have you told Regina yet?"

"I have my suspicions, but to confirm them I need to get another DNA sample, from someone else. Sorry, for obvious reasons I'd rather not say who at this stage."

"I understand. Have you considered whether magic may have played a part in this?

"I'm sorry?"

"Magic?" Now it was his turn to look blank. "Honestly Merlin, I'm rather surprised to be saying this to you, of all people?" The head of the fairies started to grin at the greatest sorcerer who'd ever lived. "Surely you've checked to see whether the foetus has the basis of magic within him or her?"

"Well, I was with her when she had the first Ultrasound a few weeks ago, but that was in New York, where without my own magic working I couldn't possibly tell." His mind went back to the day in question. "Then Annabelle gave her another scan two days ago. But I haven't dealt with her since I've been back." Then he connected the dots as he remembered something else. Something the wily old dragon healer in New York had told him. "Reul Ghorm, you're a genius!" He suddenly stood, turning to her and kissing her on both cheeks. "How the hell could I have forgotten that? Thank you! You may have just saved me a hell of a lot of work!"

The cheeks of the Chief Fairy blushed ferociously. It was a little known fact outside the fairy world that white magic was a massive aphrodisiac to a fairy. And the stronger the white magic, the stronger the affect!

"You're…you're welcome."

Swan House – An hour later

"Emma? Sorry it's late, but I've had rather a busy day. I did promise I'd call in on your mother this afternoon for a final check up?" He noticed the Saviour's tired expression. "If it's convenient? If not, I can alway come back tomorrow."

"No, no, it's fine." She looked down at him from the doorstep. "Evening home visits from medics aren't exactly easy to come by here these days? So you better come in."

"Thanks," he followed her through and into the hallway, carrying what looked like a large medical bag. "How's the patient today?"

"In rude health, and between you and me, starting to become a bit of a pain in the a-"

"MERLIN?" Snow appeared from a side door. "You're late? I was expecting you hours ago?" She led him into Emma's living room, looking back at her. "Would you like a hot drink while you're here? I'm sure Emma can fetch you something?"

Emma frowned. For the last week she'd been treating her like a bloody waitress? And frankly, it was starting to irritate.

"No, nothing for me, thank you. And once again, apologies? I was just trying to cram in too much this afternoon." He noticed the blonde turning to leave. "But Emma, could you stay? I'm not planning on giving your mother any sort of intimate examination, just look at the healing. But I actually need to speak to both of you?"

"Oh, er, okay." She watched as Snow lay back on the sofa, stretching her legs over the end and lifting the side of her top, to reveal her surgical dressings to the man who'd operated on her nearly three weeks ago. He opened up his bag, pulling out what looked like dressing, scissors and plasters.

But neither Emma nor Snow saw what happened after that! They never saw the way his irises changed colour, from blue to a flash of gold, lasting several seconds, instantly freezing all time in the room! They never saw him remove four plastic boxes, three of them empty. Never saw him remove thecotton buds from one of the boxes.

As she stood transfixed, her eyes glazed over, just like her mother's, Merlin turned to her and carefully parted the Saviour's lips with his fingers and thumb, before using one cotton bud to slowly swab the inside of her left cheek with both ends, before dropping it into one of the empty boxes. He repeated it with a second bud in her right cheek, again leaving it with the first. A third and fourth bud were inserted into each of her nostrils, swabbing once again, and placing them in a separate empty box. Finally, he picked up the scissors. Moving behind Emma to lift the back of her hair, well under her hairline and out of view. He snipped off a tiny lock of silky blonde hairs, before putting them into the last, slightly squarer pill box. Making sure everything was put in the bag, out of view, he closed it again, leaving out the original pack of dressings. After checking his watch, he drew down his magic once more, his irises changing again, and time restarted. The whole thing had taken less than three minutes.

"ACHOO!"

Emma's sudden loud and violent sneeze caught her, and her mother, completely by surprise.

"Sorry about that?" She sniffled, "I suddenly felt a tickle? Like something just flew up my nose?"

"Bad luck," the Sorcerer already had a hand in his pocket, pulling out a small pack of cotton hankies. "Tissue?"

"Thanks." She watched as he carefully removed the tape holding the dressing against her mother's side, to examine the area he'd cosmetically healed just a week ago.

"We'll Snow, it looks like everything's healed nicely. The skin may still feel tender for a few more days yet, but I think we can probably forgo the dressings now."

"Well thank god for that! Finally! Does that mean I'm able to go out and about at last? Or should I still be acting like an invalid for a bit longer?"

Emma frowned at the remark. She seemed rather dismissive, even ungrateful, seeing as without Merlin's magic, Whale's quick thinking, and the team in New York, her mother would probably be dead by now? In the world without magic she'd be dead by now, at at best waiting for an organ match? At the least she'd have a much shorter life span, if she was still breathing. Without magic, she'd be screwed!

"No, you should be okay. Just take it very carefully over the next month? Why, is there somewhere you urgently need to be?"

"Portland!" Her daughter blurted out, answering for her. "She's desperate to get away from here, to be with her girlfriend!"

"EMMA!" Snow's eyes bulged, surprised and annoyed by the sudden change in her daughter.

"Well it's true!" Emma was unrepentant and angry now. "Everyone's done so much for you, and kept you alive, especially this man here? Yet you've done nothing but bitch and moan since you got here. Just so you can leave again!"

"That's hardly fair!" She turned to the Sorcerer as she slowly stood. "I'm sorry Merlin, you didn't need to hear this."

"Why not? It's true! You're leaving your family behind to be with her! Deny it all you want? Tell me you're not in love with her? But you won't though, will you? Because you know I can spot a lie a mile away!"

Emma turned to leave, trying desperately to contain her anger, ignoring the fact Merlin had heard everything, rubbing her nose as she did so. Why the hell had her nostrils suddenly become so itchy? She needed to go get some more tissues and blow her nose, quick. Then she needed to leave and go get her husband and drag him off the Jolly, or from whatever bar he was currently in to avoid spending any more time at home. Maybe get him home as quickly as possible and get him into their bed before midnight to make him give her the decent fucking she'd been missing all week?

"But you know what? Now you're back on your feet and feeling better, maybe you could go and hold court with half the fucking town in your own flat? Instead of traipsing everyone through my place? And then perhaps you can make your own fucking tea for everyone!" She turned back, slamming the door behind her, collecting the keys and leaving with a final slam of the front door.

"I, erm…" Snow felt totally embarrassed. And humiliated. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

He finally spoke. "It's fine, Snow. Most families go through difficult times. I do understand. But, I should be going, regardless."

She sighed. "Have you ever lost the love of someone you love, because you lied about something you did before you even met them?"

"Not that I remember. Though after living more than two millennia, I've left, and been left by, many. It's always painful. Yet, I do think, given time-"

"Time isn't something I have a lot of right now, Merlin? Look, I'm not stupid! I know full well that if I don't stay, or keep coming here for treatment, my days are going to be limited. Yet if I do stay, I have to see the man I still love with someone else. I basically get my heart broken every day? I'm not sure which is worse."

The Jolly Roger, Storybrooke Harbour

"Killian, that woman's driving me nuts!"

Emma pulled his rum flask straight out from his jacket pocket, flipping the silver lid and taking a hefty glug. "It's like our own home isn't ours anymore?" She was about to hand it back but changed her mind, taking another deep pull. "And you're no bloody help! Hiding out here! Or in Locksley's pub!"

She found him sitting in the galley, with something electronic spread out in bits all over a large cloth on the table. "And what the hell are you doing? What is that thing? It's got wires, and switches, and circuits and stuff. Is that a soldering iron? Do you even know what you're doing?"

The former pirate finally looked up at her, but couldn't stop himself laughing. "Thanks for that vote of confidence, Swan! And yes, thank you, I do know! What you're looking at is a precision 'marine satellite GPS navigator'; well, a broken one, at least? And I'll have you know last week I passed a little online course recommended by the shop I bought it from, to help me repair it."

"Oh," well that was a surprise. "So, this is the latest little 'job' to stop you coming home of an evening?"

"Well, it's certainly a lot more restful here this past week, don't you think?" He put the soldering iron down, turning to focus on her. "Did you just come to criticise, or for something else?"

"I'm sorry, But as Henry would say, she's just driving me mental?"

Emma went on to tell him what had happened, and how she'd lost her temper with her mother for complaining and showing ingratitude, despite her rapid recovery from two major organ transplants. About Merlin and Blue calling in, and the fact she'd already started searching for properties outside Storybrooke, to supposedly start a new life.

It had been a tricky week since Snow settled into their home a week ago, to convalesce the final stages of her recovery. Surprisingly, she'd clashed not only with Emma when it came to some things, but Killian too. And her husband had been equally forthright with his mother-in-law, creating a bad atmosphere. Rather than keep clashing, he decided to come home later than usual of an evening. But that in turn put more pressure on Emma.

"I have to admit to finding your mother a little…tiresome this week? But given her recent infirmity, I suppose I should be more understanding. As you heard the other day, she tends to react rather badly toward me when I say something with which she strongly disagrees? Once you started taking her side, as you did several times, I thought I'd best keep out of the way, and just leave you to it?"

"Leaving me to do everything? Even Hope's getting fed up with having her around. And I didn't take her side, I was just trying to keep the peace!" She could see he wasn't convinced, his head going back down to focus on his broken navigator. "Look, I'm sorry you thought that, but I was just getting frustrated by all the damn tension since she moved in?"

"I'm sorry too, Emma. I know I snapped back a little too harshly."

"Killian, just leave that and come home? Please? I need company tonight, preferably my own husband's?"

"Aye. I'm assuming our little pirate slept through everything?"

"A bomb could go off next door, and your daughter would sleep right through it! Just like someone else I know?"

"Speaking of father's, I got a call from yours an hour ago? David's offered to childmind Hope for us the weekend after next. He suggested he come and pick her up Friday afternoon, and we could come back for the following Monday? Apparently, if we agree he'll probably take her to some sort of event Locksley's men are running in the forest? Your brother's going. What do you think?"

"Well…yeah, sounds good. And a little unexpected?"

"He said he spotted you when he drove past Granny's this morning, but couldn't stop. He said you looked exhausted and in need of a decent break, hence the offer?"

"Great, so apart from everything else, my own dad also thinks I look like shit?"

"That's not how he put it! You know all too well he thinks you're as beautiful as I do, and is just concerned for your welfare. So, I thanked him and promised you'd call him back after we've spoken? And when you do, instead of questioning his ulterior motives, perhaps you should just say, "Thank you, daddy. Yes, I'd love a few days away with my handsome pirate!"

She rolled her eyes. "I must admit I could do with a break. But we've still got mum to consider."

"Have we? Didn't you just say she's back on her feet?"

" Yeah, but-"

"She'll be fine! Maybe we could book ourselves somewhere decent? Boston perhaps? Or maybe even back to New York? We could even stay where we stayed last time?"

"We could even go back where we stayed last time?" Emma was rapidly coming around to the idea. "I was getting pretty jealous of you two, when you went off on those trips and I had to keep going to the hospital?"

"Perhaps you should book and call Clare to come up with some ideas for us? She was pretty good last time?"

Her mind went back to the pretty blond concierge with the twinkling eyes. And a very different idea came to mind.

Boston Logan Airport – The following Thursday

Henry Mills stood in the Arrivals terminal of the airport, waiting for his father and grandfather to appear through the gate, having just received a text message from him having to say they were waiting for their bags to appear, then they'd be out shortly.

"HENRY!"

He looked up to see his four-year-old uncle grinning back at him, as he sat atop a loaded luggage trolley, being pushed by his big brother, Henry's father, who beamed back when he saw him.

"GIDDY? DAD?" Henry called out. Even though he'd only left them in Europe just over a week ago, it was still slightly surreal seeing his real father again, as they drew closer.

"Hi, old son!" Neal pulled him into a hug. "Good to see you got back safe and sound. You ok?"

"Yeah, it's all good. Where's Gramps? You left him behind, or something?"

"I wish!" He sniggered. " He's just organising the porters for the other cases and boxes? He'll probably be out in a minute."

"Porters? How many cases have you got?"

"About sixteen, hopefully they'll all turn up? We did a bit more shopping, after you left."

"A bit? Sixteen? Blimey. So how are you going to-"

"Celeste organised a truck to collect them and take them to storage. It should be outside."

"Okay. So, what's the plan, dad?"

Old Havana, Cuba – two days earlier

"Oh god, that's it! Just…just…keep going?"

Belle seemed to almost beg, as Jerard once again pushed himself deep inside her, feeling her tense up, her peak imminent. Olivia lay under her, feeling the added pressure on her front come and go as her boyfriend slammed into the former librarian from behind. She would've helped hasten her orgasm with a couple of well-placed fingers, but, with Ruby squatting inches over her face, her focus was very much on the other woman's climax, coming to a head with the skilled use of her tongue.

As for Jerard, having managed to just about hold himself back after being inside Olivia only minutes earlier, and Ruby before that, he silently prayed Belle would come quickly, so he could finally release. And she did, screaming profanities as he followed, exploding inside her, Ruby following him over the edge only seconds later.

And now, minutes later, as he passed around a large glass of iced water, Belle lay back, exhausted.

"That was…the best ever. Fantastic."

"Yeah," Olivia could only agree. "I thought so, too." She took her hand, threading their fingers. "So, we've got an early start tomorrow, six hours sailing to Key West. Let's hope it's not too long before we get to have you to ourselves again?"

The schooner had arrived in Havana three days earlier, and after checking into their colonial hotel in the old quarter, a World Heritage site, they'd set about exploring. Belle had absolutely loved it. It was so bohemian, so rhythmically Latin, and so picturesque with its vibrant colours and energy, that part of her wanted to stay forever. Like she'd found her spiritual home? They'd explored the museums, the markets, the historic sites, and even a white sandy beach one afternoon. Lazing under parasols supping Cuba Libras until the sun went down.

But despite the idyllic setting, they all knew their journey together was coming to an end.

Belle had kept in touch with her son, as well as the man who was supposed to be Rumple's resurrected son, through regular text messages. And a web call with Gideon two nights ago. That's when she found out they were going to be flying back into Boston this coming Thursday. Only two days to go.

"I hope do too. I'm going to miss all of this so much! Especially you guys."

"I think that goes for all of us?" Olivia threaded her arm through Belle's as they rested against the headboard, everyone still gloriously naked. "It's a pity you couldn't find a way to get your boy down here?"

"Yes, well unfortunately he's got his older brother with him, and I need to go up to Sto…Maine to help clear out my things. Neal's offered to drive us back. We've still got a lot of stuff that was left behind when he had to leave. I can't be sure, but I think I'm probably going to be there for up to a week, then come back to Portland to…well, start my new life, I guess?"

"When you get settled, make sure you send us the address, okay? Cos if you don't, Jer and I will come up and hunt you down!"

"I will, I swear." Belle lifted her hand, kissing the back. "Just give me a little time?"

"I'm coming with you as far as Portland, babe!" Ruby added, wanting to somehow cheer her up. "Snow's already texted me to say she's seen some potential hotels and guest houses to look at? And I also wanna see Neal face-to-face? I still can't believe he's alive again?" But the moment she said it, when she saw the look on the other couple's faces, she knew she'd said a little too much.

"Alive…again?" He looked mystified.

"Yes, erm, he fell out with my former husband, then kinda…disappeared?" Belle covered for her. " We all assumed he was dead but now he's appeared from nowhere? He's in Europe with his father right now and they're reconciled. I'm intending to drive up to our old place with him, but not his father, obviously."

"Well ladies, we're going to miss you more than you can imagine." Jerard stood up from the bed, putting his boxers back on. "Now then Mesdames, drinks?"

"Not for me. My stomach's been a little funny, and I've still got that weird taste in my mouth? I'll stick with the water, thanks."

Key West international Airport - Two days later

"I'm dreading this! I've never been anywhere near a plane before, let alone on one! Are they even…safe?"

"I've only been on them a couple of times myself, when we went on vacation a couple of years ago, but you'll be fine Rubes. There's nothing to it. But I have to admit, right now I'd rather not be flying anywhere?"

"You still feeling rough? What's it been now, two days?"

Having sailed the six-hour trip from Cuba the previous day, mooring in the little port in the most southerly island of the Florida Keys, the quartet made their sad and surprisingly emotional farewells, hugs and kisses exchanged, all vowing to meet again as soon as they were settled. Olivia seemed the saddest of all.

And now, as Ruby and Belle stood at their departure gate, waiting to be called on board the first of two flights to Boston, Ruby flicked a stray lock of hair from her heavily suntanned face.

"Nearly three. Not as bad as I was but just…a little out of sorts?"

"I saw you also didn't touch your food last night? Maybe you should go see someone when we get there? Or get to a pharmacy?"

"It's probably nothing more than a bit of food poisoning. Maybe from that crab salad we made a few days ago? I'll grab something when we get there. But I don't care. I just want to get this trip over with, and have Gideon in my arms again?"

~oOo~